How much does FDM 3D printing cost for companies?

What makes up the price

A quotation includes file and production preparation, material, machine time and the requested finishing operations. Geometry affects all these items: two parts of equal weight can require different print times and supports.

• Dimensions and geometry: walls, holes and details change the toolpath and the time required.
• Material: choose it for temperature, loads, UV exposure and flexibility before comparing prices.
• Orientation and supports: they affect surfaces, strength across layers and removal work.
• Finishing and inspection: inserts, assemblies and dimensional checks should be specified in the request.

Why a price per gram can be misleading

A thin component with many details can occupy the printer longer than a simple part of similar weight. Support material and preparation waste also differ from the delivered part weight. A price per gram without this information does not describe the cost of the job.

Compare offers for the same file and revision, with identical material, quantity and finish. Ask whether shipping, taxes and additional operations are included: an isolated unit price can hide different conditions.

Prototype, short run and repeat order

For a prototype, preparation work is spread over few parts. In a short run, the same setup can be shared across the batch, while material and machine time are still needed for each component. Any unit price reduction must therefore be calculated for the actual batch.

For a repeat order, specify the part code, approved revision and material. If geometry or end use changes, orientation and parameters should be reviewed. For high volumes, compare total FDM cost with the investment in tooling.

How to reduce cost while preserving function

Describe the component’s function, mating surfaces and critical dimensions. This allows model simplification, orientation and splitting into multiple parts to be assessed. Reducing weight or infill without knowing the loads can instead make the part unsuitable.

What to send RICREO for a quotation

Use the quote tool for an indicative price from an STL, OBJ or 3MF file. For a business job, add quantity, material or operating conditions, a drawing with critical dimensions, finish and requested date. For assemblies, long runs or confidentiality, use the B2B request: the price is confirmed before ordering.